Sacramento, Calif. – Labor Day in Northern California brings both danger and wonder as extreme heat grips the region and the Northern Lights threaten to make a rare appearance across U.S. skies into Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, a Heat Advisory remains in effect from noon until 11 p.m. Monday with highs near 102°F. Overnight lows stay in the mid-60s, offering little relief. The agency warns of significant heat-related illness risk, especially for those without cooling or working outdoors. Drivers along I-5 and Highway 99 should prepare for increased vehicle breakdowns and potential medical emergencies in stalled traffic.
Meanwhile, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center reports a strong coronal mass ejection is striking Earth’s atmosphere, potentially lighting skies with auroras through Tuesday morning. Visibility could extend beyond the northern U.S., with chances reaching as far south as Northern California if skies remain clear. Sacramento-area residents may catch faint glows along the horizon after midnight.
Officials urge residents to drink plenty of water, limit strenuous activity during peak afternoon hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Those hoping to spot the aurora should head to darker, rural areas away from city lights for the best chance of viewing.
Heat will remain the bigger challenge through midweek. The valley cools slightly by Friday, though temperatures stay above seasonal averages.
Five Day Forecast for Sacramento, CA:
- Tuesday: High 96°F, clear skies, aurora possible overnight.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 95°F, low 62°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 94°F.
- Friday: Partly cloudy, high 90°F, low 59°F.
- Saturday: Sunny, high 88°F, comfortable evening.
